The role of community participation in solid waste management in Sub-Saharan Africa: a study of Orlando East, Johannesburg, South Africa

Solid waste management (SWM) is a challenge in poor urban neighbourhoods in sub-Saharan African cities. It is in this perspective that this paper examines the role of community participation in SWM in Orlando East, Johannesburg, South Africa. Using a qualitative research methodology inspired by the traditional participatory research approach, the results of this study suggest that the residents of Orlando East are aware of the problems of SWM. However, none of them have been involved in SWM initiatives taking place in their respective jurisdiction. This study argues that lack of awareness and low community participation in SWM exacerbates the problems in poor urban communities. What seemed to be the case in Orlando East is that the community expects the municipality to meet these challenges. However, the municipality has made it clear that they have limited resources to effectively address these challenges. Therefore, the findings of this study highlight the importance of community participation in SWM to mitigate problems and establish good working relationships between local authorities, the municipality and PIKITUP.